Under the UK Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations, distributors (retailers) of electrical and electronic equipment are required to either offer in-store take-back or join the Distributor Take Back Scheme (DTS).
The DTS has been in operation since 2007 and has been a key element of the UK WEEE system. The current Phase 4 runs until 31 December 2019.
Under the scheme, payments made by distributors to the DTS support WEEE collection, reuse and recycling projects, as well as the set-up and maintenance of the network of designated collection facilities (DCFs), where consumers can drop off WEEE for collection. This means that retailers who are members of the DTS can direct consumers to the licensed local authority Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) at which the collection points for WEEE are managed.
Distributors have additional obligations to provide certain information to consumers. Valpak Retail WEEE Services helps DTS members meet their consumer information obligations by providing resources such as posters and website wording telling consumers why it is important to recycle and where they can do this.
Funding opens for local authorities for WEEE Collection
Valpak Retail WEEE Services is delighted to announce that the next round of its project fund for local authorities is open for applications.
In order to help increase and encourage collection, reuse and recycling, local authorities can now apply for DTS funding for specific WEEE collection projects. To assist local authorities in preparing their applications, the DTS has provided a detailed set of guidance notes and template project specifications which can be downloaded from www.dts.valpak.co.uk. The suggested projects are:
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HWRC WEEE activities.
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WEEE collection points.
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WEEE repair, reuse and recycling events.
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Other catergory projects.
All applications are to be submitted directly to the DTS (www.dts.valpak.co.uk), no later than Monday 30 September 2019.
The future role of the DTS
The government is planning to consult on improvements to the existing WEEE system towards the end of 2020. This means that after 31 December 2019, the future of the DTS is currently uncertain, and may lead to a period where distributors would have to find a different solution for their take-back requirements.
The default position is that unless the Secretary of State chooses to approve a new DTS, then all retailers will need to establish WEEE take-back systems in all stores, while online-only sellers will need to provide a suitable alternative.
The DTS is working on an interim phase that, if approved by government, will remain in place until the current review of WEEE regulations is complete and a consultation has been published. It is intended to assist distributors to navigate any transition to new take-back obligations.
If you require any assistance or further guidance please contact the DTS team on dts@valpak.co.uk.
